High-Tech Surveyor, First SVL To Have Women's Quarters: What INS Ikshak's Commissioning Means?

The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone with the commissioning of INS Ikshak on Thursday at the naval base in Kochi.

The third in the survey vessel large (SVL) class, the INS Ikshak was formally

inducted into active service during a ceremonial event presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

First and foremost, the INS Ikshak’s commissioning signifies India’s pursuit of indigenous hydrographic excellence. It is more than just the addition of a new hull; it marks a transition towards sophisticated, self-reliant, and socially progressive naval power.

Ikshak’s induction provides the navy with a multi-faceted tool: it is a high-tech surveyor, a symbol of domestic industrial prowess, and a crucial asset for disaster management and inclusive growth.

WHAT DOES THE NAME ‘IKSHAK’ MEAN?

The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘guide’ or ‘the guide’ in Sanskrit, aptly symbolises the ship’s mission: to chart the unknown and ensure safe passage for mariners.

Ikshak is designed to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and vital navigational channels. The data generated by it will be crucial in guaranteeing safety at sea.

Beyond safe navigation, it is poised to take on uncharted waters, reinforce national security across vital sea lanes, and play a pivotal role in advancing India’s maritime interests and strategic reach. As the third SVL-class vessel and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command, its induction underscores the navy’s commitment to building advanced and state-of-the-art platforms.

A TESTAMENT TO ‘ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT’

A prime focus of the Ikshak’s induction is its role as a shining example of India’s growing self-reliance in the critical domain of shipbuilding.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd in Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata), it successfully embodies the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India). Critically, it embodies over 80 percent indigenous content.

These impressive levels is a testament to the effective collaboration between GRSE, industries, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).

In his address during the commissioning of the INS Ikshak, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi rightly hailed the vessel as an embodiment of this collaborative success.  He said its successful induction significantly augments India’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity alongside its hydrographic survey capability. It truly reflects the spirit and strength of indigenous development, he added.

WHAT ARE INS IKSHAK’S FEATURES?

The INS Ikshak is defined by its array of cutting-edge, new-age features.

Here’s all you need to know:

• Ikshak is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems. These advanced features bring unmatched versatility and capability to the navy’s hydrographic fleet.
• Key technological installations include a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, which provides precise underwater mapping; an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
• The ship carries four survey motor boats (SMB), vital for localised charting operations.
• Extending its operational reach and enabling multi-domain missions, it is fitted with a helicopter deck and features helicopter support.
• Beyond its primary technological mandate, it boasts a critical new-age feature: its dual-role capability. While serving as a survey vessel, it is also designed to function as a versatile platform for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.
• During emergencies, Ikshak can be converted to serve as a hospital. This dual utility offers unmatched operational versatility, ensuring that it remains a potent asset during peacetime and crises alike.
• In a major move reflecting the navy’s progressive and inclusive approach towards a future-ready fleet, the vessel is the first SVL designed with dedicated women’s accommodation. This design choice underscores the navy’s proactive commitment to inclusivity and modernisation.